The bill amends section 715.72 of the Revised Code to facilitate the establishment of joint economic development districts (JEDDs) by two or more municipalities without requiring the involvement of a township. Key changes include redefining "contracting party" to refer specifically to a municipal corporation or township, with at least one contracting party being a municipal corporation and the other being either a township or a municipal corporation where the district is located. The bill also allows counties to be included as contracting parties and mandates that the territories of these parties must be contiguous, with certain exceptions. Additionally, it outlines the requirements for the economic development plan, the powers of the district's board, and the procedures for public hearings prior to contract adoption.

Further amendments establish a governance structure for JEDDs, including term limits for board members and a process for business owners to file complaints regarding income tax exemptions. The bill prohibits annexation or consolidation of unincorporated territory within a JEDD during the contract's effective period without township consent and allows for agreements on zoning and land use regulations, ensuring compliance with existing municipal regulations. The bill also repeals the previous section 715.72, indicating a comprehensive update to the legal framework governing JEDDs, aimed at streamlining their establishment and management while ensuring community involvement and oversight.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 715.72